Working from home has its perks, but staying focused can be a real challenge. I’ve discovered that the key to being productive is eliminating distractions—both physical and digital. Here’s how I’ve transformed my workspace to maximize concentration.
One of my biggest distractions was my iPhone and iPad. To tackle this, I decided to keep my devices out of arm’s reach and out of sight. I set up a dedicated charging station on the other side of the room using the SKÅDIS pegboard from Ikea. With the help of cable ties, I mounted a Satechi multiport charger and a charging dock for my rechargeable batteries (used for my keyboard and trackpad). Now, every piece of equipment has its designated home.
Digital distractions, like endless scrolling on social media or binge-watching shows, can also be major productivity killers. That’s where apps come to the rescue. On my computer, I use the open-source app SelfControl—a timesaver that blocks access to distracting sites like Netflix and Reddit for a set period. Since breaks are important, I typically set it for an hour. On my iOS devices, I rely on ScreenZen, a free app that allows me to block time-wasting apps and websites with just a few taps.